Taxpayers face Waitangi week walloping

FEBRUARY 4 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This Waitangi period is shaping up to be one of the most expensive ever for taxpayers, says the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.

Taxpayers’ Union Executive Director Jordan Williams says, “So far this Waitangi period, the Government has announced $100 million for Maori landowners, $27 million for infrastructure in Kaipara, $82 million for jobs programmes, and $21 million for digital ‘hubs’. So far, that’s $230 million taken from taxpayers, and we’ve still got a few days to go!”

“The Waitangi period should be about reflecting on New Zealand’s origins, not using taxpayer money to buy support from iwi leaders. Instead of screwing taxpayers, the Government should examine its own role in impoverishing Māori through restrictions on house-building and punitive tobacco taxes.”

ENDS

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